Cam Gear Type

[JohnM15]

On the champion engine there is the option to go with a aluminum cam gear or the original equipment non-metal (fiber) toothed version.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?
Which one lasts longer?
Is the aluminum version more noisy?

[nvonada]

I don't know about the aluminum gear but the fiber gear on my Champion is 70 years old in two weeks and has never been replaced. You are probably OK with stock unless you are going to try and run really high RPMS or are doing something to the valves (stiff springs, agressive cam). The person to call to ask is Bill Cathcart (www.cathcartsstudebaker.com). He is THE Champion engine guru.

Nathan

[Bud]

The fiber gear will work fine in stock engines. The aluminum gear will live longer when the engine is operated at high rpm with stiffer than stock valve springs. The fiber gear is also quieter running than the aluminum gear. I have aluminum gears in both of my 289's and I can hear a bit of a howl from the timing gears when the engines are running. Bud

[JohnM15]

Thanks for all the input guys. I'll pocket the difference and go with the fiber gear...